CHAPTER 56: CHAPTER 56: NOT WORTHY OF BEING YOUR FRIEND

They arrived at the doorstep.

Song Moting stopped the car.

Jiang Xiaoxiao jumped down.

"Jiang Xiaoxiao, I’ll bring milk powder tickets to you tomorrow. My family has some, so you won’t have to struggle like this anymore."

He remembered that his dad had these connections.

Jiang Xiaoxiao wasn’t pretentious.

She needed these things herself.

In this era, you really can’t get tickets just because you want them.

"Thank you, Song Moting. You’re my friend from now on. If you ever face difficulties and need help, come find me. We’ll help each other and escape this miserable environment together."

Jiang Xiaoxiao patted her chest generously.

Song Moting looked at Jiang Xiaoxiao’s two dark braids, feeling warm inside.

It was the first time someone treated him as a friend like this.

"You’d better not be my friend. I’m not worthy of being your friend."

Song Moting gritted his teeth; he really wasn’t worthy.

Jiang Xiaoxiao was taken aback. Why did this person respond like this? Does anyone talk like this?

"Song Moting, you’re so awkward! I say you’re my friend, and that’s it—what’s this ’worthy’ stuff? You’re not a murderer or something. Even murderers have their reasons, unless you’re some heartless bastard who enjoys killing. Otherwise, anyone has the right to make friends."

"Forget it. If your parents knew my reputation, they definitely wouldn’t let you be friends with me. I might not be a heinous murderer, but my reputation isn’t much better; everyone avoids me like the plague."

Song Moting laughed with an air of carelessness.

His reputation wasn’t vast, thanks to his stepmother. Without her help, he couldn’t have been so notorious.

"What is your reputation, anyway? At most, you’re a hooligan, a scoundrel, a wastrel. What else could it be? Besides, don’t think I’m an idiot. I’m sure it’s your stepmother who ruined your reputation."

Or maybe you did it to get your dad’s attention, ruining your own reputation in the process. Come on, you’re over 20, probably several years older than me. Why bring this up?

You know the path you should take and you should stick to it. Walk the road you think is right. Ignore other people’s words; you’re not living for them.

Song Moting, hurry up! I need to go inside—can’t you hear my little niece crying her heart out?"

Jiang Xiaoxiao felt she’d said enough; Song Moting wasn’t a fool.

Song Moting watched Jiang Xiaoxiao run inside.

The two dark braids swayed behind her, despite her slim figure standing majestically.

A grin formed on his lips; this girl was something else.

She was completely different from any other girl he’d met.

He mounted the bike and sped away.

Jiang Xiaoxiao rushed into the house.

Jiang Xin looked anxious holding the little baby, who was crying so hard that he was out of breath, face flushed, limbs flailing.

Fan Xiuying helplessly stood by, watching her little granddaughter crying like this, pained but powerless.

Jiang Xiaoxiao entered.

Fan Xiuying saw the net bag in her hand.

She finally relaxed.

"Mom, quickly make some milk powder for the little one. Thanks to Director Song, not only did he help us find milk powder, but he also found a bottle and nipple for me."

She hadn’t raised children before, how would she know about these things?

She had only focused on the milk powder; without Director Song’s thoughtful help, she might have gotten home only for the little one to be unable to eat.

Fan Xiuying took it in hand.

Quickly sterilized the bottle with hot water, then started to prepare the milk powder.

Fortunately, Fan Xiuying had raised four children herself, so her experience was quite seasoned; after all, when Jiang Xiaoxiao was little, she had no breast milk and grew up on formula.

So, she was skilled at this.

The little one finally had her fill.

Jiang Xin held the child with one hand on the bottle.

Watching the child gulping down the milk, she felt deeply apologetic; if it weren’t for her, her child wouldn’t have been so hungry.

Jiang Xiaoxiao took a breath.

Oh my, she had never raised a child; she didn’t realize a baby could cry without reason for an hour straight.

Jiang Xin turned to Jiang Xiaoxiao, "Xiaoxiao, thank you!"

"Oh, Sis, what are you saying? I’m your sister, what’s there to thank?"

Jiang Xiaoxiao spoke in a disgruntled tone, got up to help Fan Xiuying serve the chicken soup.

The aroma had reached her nose.

Fan Xiuying was busy.

A big pot of chicken soup with a golden layer of chicken oil tempting enough to make anyone drool.

"Mom, you made this so delicious."

Jiang Xiaoxiao sniffed around.

Fan Xiuying pushed her away with a playful shove.

"You stay away. No matter how much you flatter me, I can’t give you this; it’s for your sister. If you want some next time, mom will make a separate pot just for you. Look how starved your sister and niece are; I need to help your sister regain her strength, understand?"

Fan Xiuying spoke earnestly.

Afraid her little daughter would feel upset.

"Mom, you really treat me like a clueless child! Of course, I know what’s most important; my sister and the baby come first. Don’t worry, I’m grown, it’s not like I’d snatch food from a baby, right?"

Jiang Xiaoxiao found it amusing.

Her mom was still the same, always fearing she’d be wronged.

"I know our Xiaoxiao is beloved by all, blossoms where she goes—who wouldn’t adore her? She’s our sensible one. Look, if it weren’t for you today, I’d be lost."

Fan Xiuying praised her daughter tirelessly.

"Oh right, Mom, how’s Grandma doing?"

Jiang Xiaoxiao was worried.

Her grandparents hadn’t had it easy in their lifetime, helping the kids meant they’d barely enjoyed any comfort.

Fan Xiuying’s face darkened.

"You don’t mention it, but thinking of it makes me sad. What should I do? Your sister and the child can’t be left alone, but your uncle said Grandma seems to have a severe fever. I told your uncle to hurry and take her to the hospital.

Your uncle agreed verbally, but I don’t know if he can persuade your grandparents. The old pair has scrimped and saved all their lives; they might not want to go to the hospital. Normally, they endure illness at home, but I’m afraid this time they might not manage."

Fan Xiuying was anxious but helpless.

There were people to care for both at home and out.

Jiang Xiaoxiao thought that her grandparents were so frugal they might really avoid spending money on hospital treatment.

Her uncle liked to spend freely, earning every month but probably not having enough even for himself.

"Mom, how about I go back? You stay here to look after Sis. I don’t know how to help her, or take care of the baby? You take care of Sis and the baby here; I’ll go check on Grandma. At least bring some money back so they aren’t stuck avoiding hospital care because of financial strain."

Jiang Xiaoxiao wanted to see her grandparents; otherwise, once she went, she might not see them for a year.

Fan Xiuying listened and hesitated.

"Can you manage?"

"Why not? Absolutely! Mom, I’m not a child anymore. That’s decided—I’ll go."

Jiang Xiaoxiao made the decision herself.

Fan Xiuying was amused but happy.

This child now had her own opinions.